Acne

Acne can leave you feeling incredibly self-conscious about your skin. What’s even worse is that if you have severe breakouts, you can develop scars that can remind you of your acne for years to come. If you struggle to control breakouts, make an appointment with Evans Bailey, MD, Ph.D. and his specially trained dermatology team at Naaman Clinic. Between clinical-grade topical solutions, prescription medications, and laser treatments, you can get rid of acne once and for all at the Birmingham or Montgomery, Alabama practices. Schedule your appointment either online or over the phone.

Acne Q & A

What causes acne?

Acne is the most common skin issue in the United States, which is why you’ve probably walked down an aisle at the store that’s entirely dedicated to acne treatments.

Your skin is full of sebaceous glands that produce oil. This oil is essential for nourishing and protecting your skin. But if your body produces too much, it starts getting backed up in your pores.

Dead skin cells, which normally shed away, get trapped in the oil, in addition to bacteria or environmental debris, causing a clog. As the clog expands, you develop a pimple. In some cases, pimples can turn into large and painful nodules or cysts, which are known for causing scars.

You might be prone to acne breakouts because of:

  • Fluctuating hormone levels
  • Clothing materials or wearing hats
  • Frequent picking of pimples
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Poor hygiene

It isn’t well understood if certain foods can cause pimples, although some people experience breakouts after eating greasy foods, spicy foods, or sweets. If you notice that you seem to break out after eating a specific food, it’s probably best to avoid it.

How is acne treated?

Your acne treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and your specific skin needs. Dr. Bailey often suggests trying one or more of the following treatments:

  • Prescription acne medications or antibiotics
  • Clinical-grade topical solutions
  • Professional chemical peels
  • Laser skin resurfacing

Acne doesn’t go away overnight, and sometimes it takes some trial and error to determine which treatments are best for you. But rest assured, Dr. Bailey can help you take control of your skin, so you don’t have to continue going through breakouts.

Can I prevent acne breakouts?

There are several things you can do to minimize your chances of having future breakouts. As difficult as it may be, resist the urge to pop pimples. Rupturing the clog can cause bacteria to spread, leading to even more pimples, and can increase your risk of scarring. You can also minimize future breakouts by:

  • Gently washing your skin and avoiding scrubbing
  • Using oil-free foundation and makeup
  • Applying only light oil-free moisturizers (if needed)
  • Avoiding touching your face

Dr. Bailey helps you learn ways to prevent future acne breakouts and helps you determine if there are things in your diet that may be worsening your flare-ups.

Schedule your acne treatment evaluation at either Naaman Clinic location by calling your closest office, or by requesting an appointment online.

* Individual results may vary.